Man arrested after brandishing knife near school in Parnell Square area

It is unclear what intention, if anything specific, the man may have had. Investigations are at an early stage, including efforts to talk to the man.

It is understood that there is no evidence as of yet, that this individual had intended to target the school or schoolchildren.

The man is aged in his 30s and is understood to be Irish.

The incident occurred near where a shocking knife-attack took place outside a school last November, which left a five-year-old girl and a creche worker in a critical condition, and two other young children injured.

The man arrested on Tuesday was brandishing a knife, and reportedly shouting, along the footpath on Parnell Square at around 9am.

There are reports that young schoolchildren may have been getting off a bus around this time and that this may have sparked a 999 call to gardaí.

Gardaí responded quickly and there are no reports that the man resisted arrest.

A Garda statement said: “Following an incident this morning in the Parnell Square area of Dublin City Centre where alleged threatening behaviour was undertaken, a male (30s) has been arrested for alleged offences under the Firearms and Offences Weapons Act.” 

It said the man was currently in custody in a Dublin City Centre Garda Station.

“There are no injuries reported as a result of this incident,” it said.

“An Garda Síochána had been conducting regular patrols in this area and these patrols will continue.

“Gardaí are liaising with the local community and anyone impacted by the incident.” 

It is not known if the man has been deemed fit to be interviewed or if mental health legislation is being examined.

It is understood there have been several incidents in public in the past involving the man, which gardaí believe may be linked to his mental health.